Three advance without defeat at District 3 Class AA Wrestling Tournament

The Hanover High junior missed the five weeks leading into the individual postseason because of a broken left hand, and the time off limited how much he could practice. His poor fortune continued when he returned to join a challenging weight class.

No problem.

Shafer is one of three Hanover-area wrestlers in the 138-pound District 3 Class AA Tournament semifinals. The tournament concludes today at Hersheypark Arena with championship bouts starting at 6 p.m.

Three other weights have at least two area wrestlers in the semifinals: 113 pounds, with Dalton Becker (Bermudian Springs) and Nate Newberry (Biglerville); 160, with Tyler Lieberum (Biglerville) and Colton Dull (Bermudian Springs); and 285, with Trevor Stover (Biglerville) and Brett Harris (Fairfield).

The best potential finals match featuring a local wrestler comes at 170, where Brandywine Heights' Peter Renda, ranked No. 1 by PA Power Wrestling, could face Bermudian Springs' Tristan Sponseller, who is second.

Losers of the semifinal matches need at least one win to advance to the PIAA Class AA Southeast Region tournament next weekend at West Lawn.

Shafer beat Hankey 8-4 to advance to the semifinals one week after losing 9-6 in the Section I semifinals. Shafer was better able to counter Hankey's attempts at takedowns but also was in better physical condition.

"In shape-wise, last week was pretty bad," Shafer said. "I didn't have my air yet. This week, I'm really coming back. I'm looking a lot better than I was last week. I think next week could be even better and states would be really good."

Jackson has the benefit of having wrestled against them during the regular season and learning what moves they rely upon.

"It prepares me to counter their moves," he said, "and make my own moves better."

While teammate Ted Marines earned his 100th win in the first round of the district tournament, Jackson, a junior, stands at 95. A lengthy run in the postseason -- similar to his advance to the state tournament last year -- would help him reach that figure.

But he has another goal in mind.

"I'm just looking forward I hope to beating Wayne tomorrow and advancing to the next round," Jackson said. "I'm not too worried about 100 wins. I'm looking for a district title."